Joseph Francis "Joe" Ladue (July 28, 1855 – June 27, 1901) was a prospector, businessman and founder of Dawson City, Yukon, Canada. Ladue was born in Schuyler Falls, New York. His mother died when he was seven years old, and his father in 1874. Upon his father's death, 19-year-old Joe headed west. With some of his wealth, Ladue bought the steamer SS Morgan City and had it brought around Cape Horn from New York City. After a single trip from Seattle to Skagway and Valdez he leased it at $600 per day as a troop transport to the Philippines. The ship was lost in the Sea of Japan in September 1899.